How to Cook Healthy Greens

I love summer for the abundance of fresh produce just springing from the ground. It’s practically throwing itself at me, and I can’t get enough.

This year we signed up for a CSA (community supported agriculture) share with A Place at the Table CSA and have enjoyed the weekly box of delicious, nutrient-dense vegetables. I especially enjoy the challenge of using up all of what we get, which has been fun with all the varieties of kale, chard, and arugula coming our way. And you know how much we love our kale and other greens here at Minneapolis Running!

Eat Your Greens

As a runner, you should love your greens too because they will give you an easy, nutrient-dense dose of minerals that aren’t easy to come by outside of a pill. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and manganese. These build strong bones, muscles, and just about every part of your body. Greens are also full of fiber, so be careful the night before a race.

Farmer Sonya, the gal behind the operation at A Place at the Table, sent out a suggestion to cook down the greens. Ever since, I’ve been on a cooked greens kick. I usually eat them for breakfast with a couple eggs, and I like that it doesn’t take long to pull it all together…even on a weekday. And, I just plain enjoy my greens more this way than in a traditional salad. Here’s my routine:

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter until just melted.

Add the herbs, onion, and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, add the greens and sauté them for a few minutes, until just cooked down. Sometimes I add a little extra butter here…you know, for good measure.

Once the greens are cooked down, squeeze the juice from a lemon wedge over the top and add salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to a plate and top with two eggs prepared to order.

What are some ways you’ve found you eat your greens?

Sarah Crabtree

Sarah is a runner and South Minneapolis resident who loves and enjoys all that her neighborhood offers. When she's not working or studying, you'll often find her out and about on the Grand Rounds, sipping java at a coffee shop, enjoying one of the many local eateries, or holed away in her kitchen trying to perfect her latest recipe find.

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